Flooding

Gas meter submerged by flood water

If your gas meter has been submerged by flood water but your appliances and/ or boiler are not affected and are operating normally, it should be safe to continue using them. Gas cookers should be supervised while in use. Prepay meters will continue to work while submerged but the meter will not be able to receive new top ups after the flooding has subsided. For all types of meters, when the flooding has subsided please contact Gas Networks Ireland to arrange for the meter to be inspected.

Gas appliances affected by flood water

If you have a back boiler unit (behind the gas fire) that was submerged in water, or if appliances (for example, your gas fire) are affected by flood water, it is vital to have them checked by a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) before switching them back on. If your boiler is fitted on the wall and is above the flood level and the electrical supply to the house has been restored your central heating should operate.

Practical advice for dealing with a flood

Minimise internal flooding damage

Flooding incidents can be classed as internal or external. Internal flooding is where water has entered the building on your property and external flooding is where water has flooded the land immediately surrounding your house but has not entered the building. Here are some steps which you can take to minimise the damage caused by internal flooding.

Where electrical installations are at risk due to flooding, electricity supply should be turned off immediately at the isolator switch fuse box if it is safe to do so. Fuseboxes are usually near the meter position which may be inside a property or in an outside meter cabinet. If this is not possible, unplug electrical appliances where it is safe to do so. If in doubt, contact a registered electrical contractor.

Move valuable items and important documents to a safe, higher place.

Place wet towels against the bottom of doors.

Plug sinks, shower trays etc. and, where possible, weigh down the plugs to prevent water flowing back up the drains.

Move furniture upstairs but only if safe to do so.

Health precautions in flood water

As flood water may include sewage, there are some basic hygiene precautions which should be taken when coming into contact with flood water. You should contact your GP immediately if someone becomes ill e.g. experiences vomiting or diarrhoea.

Wear protective clothing such as rubber gloves and wellingtons.

Wash your hands well after any contact with floodwater.

Protect any cuts and grazes.

Disinfect footwear and clothing.

Keep children, the elderly, pets or anyone with a health condition out of the affected area.

Dispose of contaminated food.

Do not eat contaminated crops from your garden or allotment.

Do not turn your heating up to dry the property and its contents. Higher room temperatures may prolong the life of any bacteria deposited by the flood.

Ensure the property is well ventilated by leaving windows and doors open as much as possible.

Unblock any vents to ensure a free flow of air.

Safety tips

Flooding can damage electrical or gas appliances. They can also make your home vulnerable afterwards.

With internal flooding, ensure the property is well ventilated by leaving windows and doors open as much as possible and by unblocking any vents to ensure a free flow of air – but still remember your home needs to be secure.

If you’re using any petrol or diesel powered equipment such as pumps or generators to help clean up after the flood, make sure they’re situated outside in a well ventilated area to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.